What are the benefits of a co-payment in a DKV health insurance?
DKV health insurance with co-payment is an increasingly popular option for people who want access to private healthcare in Spain at a more affordable price.
This model combines a fixed monthly or annual premium with a small additional payment each time a medical service is used.
What exactly is a health insurance with co-payment?
A DKV co-payment health insurance means that, in addition to paying a lower premium, the insured pays a fixed amount every time they access a healthcare service.
This amount, known as a co-payment, varies depending on the type of consultation or treatment, but generally ranges between €1 and €20.
Example:
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A visit to a general practitioner costs around €3.5
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A specialist consultation can cost up to €20, depending on the plan
Main benefits of health insurance with co-payment
1. Lower monthly premium
One of the main advantages of DKV co-payment health insurance is that the total cost is usually lower than a plan without co-payment.
Ideal for:
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Young individuals
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Healthy people
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Those who do not frequently visit the doctor
2. Pay according to usage
The co-payment system allows policyholders to pay based on how much they actually use the insurance.
This means:
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If you rarely need medical care, your total annual cost will be significantly lower
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Compared to no co-payment plans, you save money with low usage
3. Encourages responsible use
This model promotes a more rational use of healthcare services:
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Reduces unnecessary visits
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Helps avoid system overload
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Improves efficiency in healthcare usage
4. Same coverage and same quality of care
A key point:
The quality of medical care is not affected by co-payment
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Same doctors
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Same hospitals
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Same diagnostic tests
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Same treatments
Full access to the DKV medical network (approved provider network).
When is a co-payment health insurance recommended?
A DKV co-payment health insurance plan is recommended if:
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You are in good health and rarely visit the doctor
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You want to pay less per month
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You don’t mind paying small amounts when using services
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You want to control your healthcare spending
When should you choose a health insurance without co-payment?
A no co-payment plan may be more suitable if:
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You require frequent medical care
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You suffer from chronic conditions
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You prefer a fixed monthly premium
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You don’t want co-payments to influence your decision to visit a doctor
DKV health insurance plans with and without co-payment
DKV health insurance in Spain offers different plans tailored to individual needs and budgets:
DKV Integral Complet
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Plan with co-payment
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Lower monthly premium
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Designed for occasional use
DKV Integral Élite
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Plan without co-payment
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Comprehensive coverage
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No additional payments per visit
In addition, all DKV policyholders benefit from:
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Access to a large network of doctors, hospitals and medical centres
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High-quality healthcare providers
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Digital services such as:
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Video consultations
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Electronic prescriptions
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Conclusion: Is co-payment in DKV health insurance worth it?
Co-payment in DKV health insurance can offer:
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Lower monthly premiums
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Better cost control
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Access to high-quality private healthcare in Spain
The key is to choose the option that best fits your health profile and usage.
Before making a decision, it is advisable to:
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Assess your healthcare needs
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Compare available plans
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Evaluate how often you use medical services
Maximum co-payment limit per insured person and calendar year
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Maximum: €600 per year per insured person
Waiting periods and exclusions
a) Waiting periods
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Hospitalisation and surgery: 6 months
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Prosthetics: 6 months
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Childbirth (except premature birth): 8 months
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Transplants: 12 months
Exception:
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Emergency hospitalisation or accidents → no waiting period
b) Exclusion periods
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Healthcare related to HIV/AIDS and associated illnesses: 12 months
Not covered:
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Pre-existing conditions prior to contracting the policy that have not been declared
These must be included in the health declaration.
Please review:
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Policy conditions
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Coverage limits
Frequently Asked Questions about DKV health insurance
Which specialists and medical centres can I access?
You can access:
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More than 51,000 medical professionals
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Over 1,000 medical centres
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93 of the top 100 hospitals in Spain
What is a medical provider network (cuadro médico)?
A DKV medical provider network plan allows you to access:
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Approved doctors
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Private clinics
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DKV-owned medical centres
DKV offers a network of:
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More than 51,000 professionals
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Over 1,000 centres across Spain
Including specialists such as:
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Dermatologists
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Cardiologists
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Surgeons
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Gynaecologists
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Neurologists
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Psychologists
As well as:
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Dentists
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Therapists
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Nutritionists
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Podiatrists
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Physiotherapists
Is dental coverage included?
Yes:
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More than 50 dental services included free of charge
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Additional treatments with significant discounts
Do I have emergency medical coverage abroad?
Yes:
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Up to €30,000 in emergency medical assistance abroad
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Coverage for trips of up to 180 days
One of the highest limits on the market
Can I choose plans with or without co-payment?
Yes, you can choose between:
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High co-payment → DKV Integral Complet
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Low co-payment → DKV Integral Classic
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No co-payment → DKV Integral Élite (valid for your residence permit)
What is the maximum age to take out the policy?
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Maximum entry age: 75 years
Are there family discounts?
Yes:
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7% discount for 4 insured members
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12% discount for 5 or more insured members
Can I use the insurance from day one?
Yes, except for the following services:
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Transplants: 12 months
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Hospitalisation, surgery and prosthetics: 8 months
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Childbirth: 8 months
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Outpatient surgery: 6 months
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High-tech diagnostic tests: 6 months
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Biomechanical gait analysis: 6 months
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Proton therapy in paediatric tumours: 8 months
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HIV/AIDS: 12 months
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Psychotherapy sessions: 6 months